Born on August 30, 1926, in Reading, PA, to Samuel Vogel and Ella Rudy, Gloria spent much of her life bringing joy to others through teaching and charity. She began her career as a college administrator, but soon established a program teaching telecourses to Military Air Command Bases. She retired after almost thirty years in education.
Gloria’s volunteer community work truly began upon joining the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Mission Viejo Lodge #2444, in 2000. She organized many fundraisers and social events, from her work with Drug Awareness and Prevention and the California-Hawaii Elks Association Purple Pig Project to Derby Days and fashion shows. Gloria often noted that the greatest reward of being a member of the Elks was engaging in charitable work. She eventually earned the highest role, Exalted Ruler, becoming the second woman at her lodge to do so.
Gloria always stayed true to herself and never once lost an ounce of her character or energy. Anyone who spent time with her could immediately recognize her adventurous spirit, whether it was through her fabulous outfits and sparkling fedoras or care-free attitude. At the glamorous age of 64, she participated in the first Ms. Senior America Pageant of California. Gloria also attended Square Dance Callers School in order to teach square dancing to those with intellectual disabilities.
Gloria’s favorite hobbies were bowling (in leagues for 40+ years), bingo (always winning!), cooking (from her spaghetti sauce and that one-of-a-kind dip to helping in the Elks kitchen on prime rib nights), karaoke (Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home), jazz and tap dancing (tap shoes were always in her car so she was at the ready), and of course golfing (even a hip replacement could not stop her). Every summer she travelled to Kentucky for three months to visit her daughter Michelle and her family, participate in the Bourbon Open Golf Tournament, and enjoy Lake Cumberland. She journeyed all around the world, but no place was as dear to her heart as where her family was in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and her home, California.
Gloria will be forever and lovingly remembered by her daughter Michelle (husband Michael). Her memory lives on in further generations through her three granddaughters: Melanie (husband Ryan), Marissa (husband Jonathan), and Marci; and five great-grandchildren: Caleb and Brandon (Melanie) and JJ, Allen, and Kaylee (Marissa). She will also be fondly remembered by her nephews and extended family and dear friends. Gloria was predeceased by her daughter Sandra (1947–1994), her sister June (1923–March 2018), and former spouse, Leonard LeCouvre (1920–2011).
On Saturday, June 9, at 1:00pm we will celebrate Gloria’s life at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. We will remember Gloria’s passion and love for life with a viewing and cake walk with jazz umbrellas to Janet Carroll’s cabaret rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In at approximately 2:00pm
Following the viewing and celebration, at 4:00pm a Memorial Service will be held at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge #2444, 25092 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.
Donations in Gloria’s name can be made to her favorite charities: The California-Hawaii Elks Association Purple Pig Project and Elks Veterans Charity Program.
Please share your memories of Gloria on her Memorial page at www.dignitymemorial.com
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